Stop massaging that horse!

Maryland-resident Mercedes Clemens has been forced to shutter her horse massage business. Although she's certified to massage humans, she's not certified to massage animals. According to the Associated Press:

She shut down her equine massage practice in a Washington suburb after state officials told her state law only allows veterinarians to perform such services. Now she's suing two state agencies, saying regulators are unfairly barring registered massage therapists who want to practice on animals. Animal massage regulations vary from state to state, with some allowing only veterinarians to practice. Clemens' case is being closely watched by those in the animal massage industry, who say business has grown steadily along with interest in other alternative treatments and pampering for pets.

In other news, THERE ARE ANIMAL MASSAGE REGULATIONS!
(Thanks, Big Gary!)

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Tue Aug 12, 2008
Category: Animals | Regulations

Comments

If I were a massage therapist, I'd rather work on animals too. At least they're SUPPOSED to have a hairy back!!

Posted by BikerPuppy on 08/12/08 at 03:07 PM

Maybe not, Jeff Sparkman, but I intend to use the term 'massaging the horse' from now on, in lieu of the less impressive 'choking the chicken.'

Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 08/12/08 at 04:45 PM

Kingmonkey, That's a bit optimistic, No?

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 08/13/08 at 09:54 AM

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